Traditional metal braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common type, and are more comfortable today than ever before. Made of high-grade stainless steel, metal braces straighten your teeth using metal brackets and archwires. With metal braces, you have the option of adding colored elastics (rubber bands) for a more unique and colorful smile.
Clear (ceramic) braces
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. They are an ideal alternative for patients desiring a more aesthetic look. There is no difference in the treatment time or plan if clear braces are used in your orthodontic treatment.
Oral hygiene with braces
Tooth cleaning is the most important responsibility while the braces are wor. The tooth surfaces beneath the braces are protected. However, surfaces around the brackets, particularly near the gumline, are difficult to clean and require special attention. In order to prevent stains, markings, and cavities, the patient must brush at least twice a day. If you need help choosing the right toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss, please ask us and we can help you choose the right products for your teeth and your appliance.
Eating with braces
Eating with braces takes a little adjustment in your normal dining habits. In general, try to eat more slowly and take smaller bites at a time.
Foods to AVOID with braces
- Crunchy foods — popcorn, chips
- Sticky foods — sticky candies, chewing gum
- Hard foods — nuts, hard candies
- Foods that require biting into — corn on the cob, apples, carrots
Foods you CAN eat with braces
- Dairy — soft cheese, pudding, milk-based drinks
- Breads — soft tortillas, pancakes, muffins without nuts
- Grains — pasta, soft cooked rice
- Meats/poultry — soft cooked chicken, meatballs, lunch meats
- Seafood — tuna, salmon, crab cakes
- Vegetables — mashed potatoes, steamed spinach, beans
- Fruits — applesauce, bananas, fruit juice
- Treats — ice cream without nuts, milkshakes, Jell-O, soft cake
Soreness caused by braces and appliances
When you first get your braces or wires changed, you may notice your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes, but do not swallow the salt water.If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever.
It is not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax you can put over them to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know!
Loose teeth
If your teeth begin to feel a little loose, don’t worry; this is normal! Your braces must first loosen your teeth in order to move them into the right position. Once your teeth have been repositioned, they will no longer be loose.
Loose wires and bands
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so we can inspect and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily reposition a loose wire or metal tie by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to push the wire carefully and gently back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Take care of your appliances
Success of treatment depends upon cooperation between you, the doctors and staff. Damaged appliances can increase the length of your treatment process, so be sure to take care of all your appliances. Your teeth and jaw can only move into their correct positions if you consistently wear the rubber bands, headgear, retainer, or other appliances prescribed by your doctor.
Playing sports with braces
You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it’s recommended you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to check your mouth and appliance immediately for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliance has been damaged, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort with wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.
Sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw are among the most common damage suffered by athletes. Protecting your smile while playing sports is essential when you have braces. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in high-contact sports, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends you wear a mouthguard. Be sure to ask your doctor about mouthguards at your next appointment.
